The governor of the central Syrian province of Homs says a United Nations official is in contact with opposition fighters in besieged neighborhoods of its capital to allow the evacuations of civilians.

In a statement released Tuesday, Gov. Talal Barrazi said policewomen, paramedics and members of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent are ready to arrange the evacuation of civilians from the city of Homs and "we are waiting for the UN's response." (AP)